Belize

Things to do in Belize

Activities in Belize tend to focus around the country's natural wonders. Divers, snorkelers, and canoeists in particular are drawn to the Belize Barrier Reef, which is the world's second largest barrier reef. Along the southern coast of Belize is Glover's Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that's widely regarded as the most fascinating place in the world to scuba dive.
There are also plenty of things to do in Belize that don't require getting wet. The Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Centre is spread over 29 acres of tropical savannah; there, you'll be able to marvel at more than 125 animals, all native to Belize, including rescued animals, as well as animals born at the Zoo.
Travel to Belize's countryside to see what remains of the Mayan civilization. At the lost city of Lamanai, formerly a large Mayan city with three temples, there's an onsite that explains the 3,000 years of history on display - see if you can find some copper relics while you're navigating the grounds. After you've explored the pre-classic Mayan ruins and Spanish colonial buildings, take a dip in one of the several refreshing swimming holes. All of that history works up a sweat!

The 120-year-old dry-goods store is still the go-to emporium downtown. Its atmospheric interior has cast-iron Doric columns, and aisles are stocked with skillets, bath towels, and more than a dozen kinds of rum.

Belize City has no naturally sandy stretches, but the man-made Cucumber Beach, five miles outside of town, is a sugary expanse that's worth a visit. In the lagoon-like saltwater pool, kids bounce on a floating trampoline and jump from rope swings as lifeguards supervise the goings-on.

Small but jam-packed, the excellent museum has a native butterfly collection, historic photographs, and rare Mayan artifacts, such as geometric-patterned vessels, stone earplugs, and a detailed replica of a 10-pound carved jade head—the largest such object ever discovered.

The stately oceanside mansion was the British governor's residence from 1812 to 1961; it now offers a look at an elegant, bygone era. Cases filled with royal-monogrammed china and silver platters sit next to 19th-century mahogany sideboards and handcaned chairs.